ed a light
sabre, with which he was in the habit of exhibiting himself in the corps
of the Rangers. His bugle hung gracefully by his side, and his carbine
was already provided with a strap to sling it across his back. Stephen
Foster was lost in wonder at these sudden preparations, of the import of
which he could gain no more intelligence from Henry than that a movement
towards the army was intended, of a portentous character.

Horse Shoe sat quietly in the porch looking on with a professional
unconcern, whilst his trusty Captain Peter, bearing a pair of
saddle-bags, now stuffed with a plethora of provisions, slouched his
head, in patient fixedness, waiting the order to move. A bevy of
domestics hung around the scene of preparation, lost in conjectures as
to the meaning of this strange array, and prosecuting an inquiry to
satisfy themselves, with fruitless perseverance.

When Mildred appeared at the door she was habited for her journey. The
housekeeper, an aged dame, stood near her.

"My travel, Mistress Morrison," she said, addressing the matron, and at
the same time putting a letter into her hand, "I trust will not keep me
long from home. If my father should return before I do, be careful to
give him that. Mr. Foster, you will not forget your promise," she added,
as she delivered the second letter, which, notwithstanding her own
expedition, she had prepared for Butler, in the hope that opportunity
might favor its transmission by Stephen.

"The gold," said Stephen, putting his hand in his pocket; "you will want
it yourself, Miss Mildred, and I can do without it."

"Never mind that," interrupted Mildred. "Keep your promise, and I hope
to be able to reward you more according to your deserts."

"Heaven and the saints protect you, Miss Mildred!" said the housekeeper,
as the lady bade her farewell. "You leave us on some heavy errand. God
grant that you come back with a gayer face than you take away!" Then
turning up her eyes, and raising her hands, she ejaculated, "This is an
awful thing, and past my understanding!"

Mildred took leave of the rest of the group around the door, and was
soon in her saddle. This was a signal for the rest to mount, and as
Stephen Foster delivered Henry his rifle, the latter took occasion to
whisper in the hunter's ear--

"It is not unlikely, Steve, that we may meet each other again over here
in Carolina; so remember to make inquiries for us as you go along, and
tell the men I hope to jo